Twenty Nine

Last call for your twenties!

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Everyone always makes a big deal of the 10’s. Ten. Twenty. Thirty. Fourty. Over the hill, 50. I think what we need to focus on are the 9’s. Those summary years where each decade comes to a head; the crossfade into the next. I think we owe it to ourselves to pause and reflect on the experiences we’ve had, the mistakes we’ve made, the lessons we’ve learned, and the future we’re destined for because of that amazing journey.

Today, I turn 29.

I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for every waking moment of my twenties. “Oh, twenty three was the best,” people always tell me, “That first year in the real, big-bad world.” But, no two stories are exactly the same. And, I hope I never have a decade like this again – for the rest of my life. Period. Make no mistake about it. I am grateful for all that was. But, I’m also grateful to see “all of it” drift further and further into the rearview.

I am so thankful to be where I am right now. I haven’t felt so “good” in a very, very long time. I’m thankful for the people that make up my network of friends and family, colleagues and acquaintances. And, I’m so excited to see where these relationships go over the next few months (read: years). I’m thankful for my career and all of the amazing “#blessings” it brings with it. I am truly (truly!) fortunate to do what I love for projects that I love and mean the most to me; working together for initiatives that compliment my personal philosophy on life:

When we know better we do better. When we do better we feel better.

I had a very specific goal this year: To live, guided by the most purposeful of intentions; I was surprised how easy and so life-changing that practice has been. I cannot say I have totally mastered it as there are certainly times I find myself regretting (or resenting) decisions I’ve made. Still, the required fundamental implementation or even its daily practice has brought along with it a deeper sense of self-awareness and overall happiness. I’ve never felt more in control of my time and energy and therefore value it so much more; rightfully picking and choosing the people and initiatives that get to benefit from those resources. Maybe try it.